5 Oral Health Goals for 2023

It’s a new year – a time for resolutions for a healthier and improved life. Most people set goals for weight loss and budgeting, but what about your oral health? These 5 oral health goals are simple, inexpensive, and if followed, will make a big impact for a healthy mouth.

1. Get a New Toothbrush

Do you remember the last time you replaced your toothbrush? Many people tend to forget or overlook replacing their toothbrush on a regular basis. But you really should replace your toothbrush, or toothbrush head every 3 months.

A toothbrush with worn out bristles cannot clean your teeth properly, and in some cases can even be harmful. Old bristles can cause receding gumlines and are not able to reach between the teeth and into crevices for a good clean.

When choosing your new toothbrush, look at it as an investment into your oral health. In the long run, using a quality toothbrush can even save you money because you’ll have less dental bills from cavities and other work.

If you use a manual toothbrush, this is a great time to switch to an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are far superior in plaque removal and they come with other great features such as a timer and pressure sensor.

2. Floss Daily

If you don’t already floss, this is a great time to start. Flossing regularly can make a huge impact on your oral health. Flossing is the only way to get rid of food and bacteria between teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach.

Flossing using string floss is quick and inexpensive, so it’s an easy addition to your daily oral health routine. If you don’t like string floss, I recommend investing in a water flosser.

Instead of using string, water flossers shoot a stream of water between the teeth and at the gumline. It’s a great tool for people with sensitive gums, braces, and dexterity issues. Most water flossers also have multiple pressure settings and other useful functions.

3. Choose Healthier Foods

Many people pledge to a healthier diet for weight loss, but what about for your oral health? There is nothing worse for your teeth than a diet high in processed sugars and acidic food and drinks. Soda, sour candies, potato chips, and white bread are among the worst foods for teeth.

Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and produce an acid that damages enamel on your teeth. After a while, you will find yourself with cavities. Simple carbohydrates like potato chips and bread tend to form a thick paste that coats the teeth. This causes plaque to accumulate and build up.

Instead, choose healthier foods that are not only good for your body, but good for your teeth too. If you have a sweet tooth, sugarless gum with xylitol can acutally reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth.

Crunchy fruits and vegetables are also great for your teeth. They are full of calcium and phosphates and chewing them can help to reduce plaque.

Calcium rich foods such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are great for strengthening tooth enamel. While lean proteins like fish, chicken, and eggs provide phosphorus, a mineral that aids in rebuilding enamel and protects against cavities.

4. See Your Dentist

If you have been neglecting your regular dental appointments, make a point to see your dentist in 2023. Regular dental check ups are so important because it is the only way to catch dental problems early. That way they can be fixed before they turn into some really big and expensive.

Another important reason to see your dentist is that a professional teeth cleaning is the only way to remove tartar. Tartar forms at and under the gumline when plaque has not been removed. It cause tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss.

It is recommended to see your dentist for a professional teeth cleaning every 6 months. Doing so will keep plaque and tartar under control and will help you prevent and fix any issues as they arise.

5. Drink More Water

Water is the healthiest drink out there. It distributes nutrients in our bodies and keeps our muscles moving. And not surprisingly, drinking water impacts our oral health.

Drinking water helps to wash away leftover foods particles on the teeth. Those food particles can later turn into acid and decay, so it’s important to remove them.

Water also helps with saliva production. Saliva is made of 99% water, so it is important to drink lots of water to improve saliva flow.

Xerostomia, or dry mouth is a common condition where the body does not produce enough saliva. It is quite uncomfortable and and it also increases the chance of tooth decay, oral infections, and causes difficulty eating and speaking. It is important to drink an adequate amount of water so your body can produce enough saliva.